Singapore Sailing Federation forms first ever Athletes' Commission

The Singapore Sailing Federation is pleased to announce a new Athletes’ Commission that will be chaired by Cheryl Teo.

Cheryl will represent Singapore’s sailors and attend the Federation’s Executive Committee meetings. The goal of the Commission is to promote an even stronger line of communication between athletes and the Federation.

"My goals as the AC chair are to inculcate a safe environment of open communication for sailors to voice their concerns, advocate for athlete rights and hopefully inspire the next generation of sailors to also give back to this sport in their own capacity," said Teo.

Four other sailors will serve alongside Cheryl in the Athletes’ Commission: Amanda Ng, Cecilia Low, Ryan Lo, and Lee Wonn Kye.

Exciting privilege to give back

Lee Wonn Kye said that being in the pioneer batch of AC was an "exciting opportunity". 

"We have the chance to set the tone for what this AC can provide for our sailors," said Lee.

Among the five, there are quite a few Olympians who are looking to give back to the sport as well.

For 2016 and 2020 Olympian Amanda Ng, she hopes to serve in the AC to make a positive impact on the community.

"It is a privilege to be given this opportunity to serve and support our sailors," said Ng.

"And we hope that we will make a positive difference in their journeys."

Similarly for Ryan Lo, who just came back from Paris 2024, he wants to support other sailors in whatever ways he can.

"We are here for all sailors, to listen and offer our support in whatever way we can," said Lo.

"We hope to represent the voices of all sailors to the best of our abilities."

The Athletes' Commission Election Process

This new initiative is in line with the direction of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Mirroring the Singapore National Olympic Council's Athletes' Commission, the commission aims to provide sailors with an avenue to be part of the decision-making process within the federation.

Earlier in the year, current and former national sailors who have competed in major international competitions were invited to give back to the sport and community. Based on our constitution, the AC will consist of no more than five elected members.

To be nominated for the Athletes’ Commission, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• The individual must be a Singaporean citizen.

• Be at least 21 years of age at the time of co-opt and throughout their tenure in the Athletes' Commission.

• The individual must be an individual member in good standing of Ordinary Members with SSF.

• Have participated as a sailor in at least one major international event within the past 5 years, including but not limited to the Olympic Games, Asian Games, or Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

• Have no history of doping offences, as any such violations may disqualify the individual from becoming or remaining a member of the Athletes' Commission.

As the number of qualified athletes nominated did not exceed the maximum number of members, there was no need for a vote. The members of the AC will serve for a two-year term and will not receive any compensation. The chairman shall be appointed in the Executive Committee as a member with voting rights representing the AC.